NE Syria's Free Media Union condemns targeting journalist Hemin Mamand

The Free Media Union in North and East Syria issued a statement on Wednesday regarding the assassination attempt targeting journalist Hemin Mamand in al-Sulaymaniyah city, Southern Kurdistan. The statement included,

"We, the Free Media Union in North and East Syria, condemn the terrorist attack which targeted the fellowjournalist Hemin Mamand, in an assassination attempt by anonymous gunmen in the center of al-Sulaymaniyah, which caused him injuries. We demand the competent authorities to assume their full responsibility, uncovering the perpetrators and bringing them to justice."

It added, "We consider this attack an assault on media freedom and independence, and a clear violation of society's right to access information and knowledge."

It pointed out that "the recurrence of such criminal acts against journalists and media professionals in the region heralds a climate of intimidation and impunity, undermining the foundations of democracy and public freedoms."

It called for "an urgent and comprehensive investigation into the incident, the arrest of the perpetrators and all those who participated, planned, or assisted in this criminal act, bringing them to justice to receive their fair punishment”.

It emphasized "the need for the authorities in Southern Kurdistan to take effective measures to protect the lives of journalists and media workers, as we consider the protection of journalists a national, moral, and legal responsibility."

Furthermore, the Free Media Union declared its full solidarity with the fellow journalist Hemin Mamand, and wished him a speedy recovery. It confirmed that "any attack on media freedom is an attack on human rights."

J,J